Dental Implants: What Patients Should Know Before Treatment
Dental implants are one of the most popular options for replacing missing teeth. They can look, feel, and function very much like natural teeth when properly planned and maintained. For many patients, implants provide a stable and long-lasting solution that can restore both function and confidence.
However, implant treatment is not one size fits all. A successful implant starts with a complete evaluation of the patient's mouth, health, medications, and long-term goals. At Finer Smiles Dental in Encino, Dr. Nairy Sekayan takes a thorough, personalized approach to every implant case to ensure the best possible outcome for each patient.
What Is a Dental Implant?
A dental implant is a small post placed into the jawbone to act as a foundation for a replacement tooth. After healing, the implant supports a crown, bridge, or denture. An implant restoration usually has three main parts:
- The implant which is placed in the bone
- The abutment which connects the implant to the restoration
- The crown, bridge, or denture which replaces the visible tooth or teeth
Why Patients Choose Dental Implants
Dental implants are often recommended because they can replace a missing tooth without using the neighboring teeth for support. Unlike a traditional bridge, an implant usually does not require cutting down the teeth next to the missing space.
Benefits of implants may include:
- Stable chewing function
- Natural looking appearance
- No need to reshape nearby healthy teeth
- Can replace one tooth or multiple teeth
- Can help support dentures for better stability
- Can be a long-term solution with proper care
Not Everyone Is a Candidate for Implants
Before placing an implant, Dr. Sekayan evaluates whether the patient is a good candidate. This includes looking at bone support, gum health, bite forces, oral hygiene, medical conditions, and medications. Some patients may need additional treatment before they are ready for implants. This may include gum treatment, bone grafting, extraction site healing, medical clearance, or better control of certain health conditions.
Diabetes and Implant Success
Patients with uncontrolled diabetes may have a higher risk of infection, gum disease, and delayed healing. That does not always mean implants are impossible, but it does mean the condition should be well controlled before treatment. For long-term implant success, blood sugar control is important. Dr. Sekayan may work with the patient's physician to confirm medical stability before moving forward.
Osteoporosis Medications and Implant Planning
Patients taking certain osteoporosis medications, including bisphosphonates or other antiresorptive medications, need careful evaluation before implant surgery. These medications can be very important for bone health, but they may be associated with a rare jaw healing complication called medication-related osteonecrosis of the jaw.
This does not automatically mean a patient cannot have an implant. It means Dr. Sekayan must review the medication type, dosage, length of use, medical history, and risk factors before making a recommendation. In some cases, medical clearance may be needed.
Implant Brands and Designs Matter
Not all dental implants are the same. Implants can vary by brand, size, shape, surface design, connection type, and restorative parts. At Finer Smiles Dental, we use the Straumann digital scanning system for precise treatment planning, ensuring your implant is placed with the highest level of accuracy.
Patients should ask their dental office to save the implant information in their chart. It is also smart for patients to keep a copy for their own records. Important information to save includes:
- Implant brand
- Implant size
- Implant location
- Implant system or connection type
- Abutment information
- Crown or restoration design
- Date of implant placement
- Date of final restoration
This information can be very helpful if the implant crown, screw, abutment, or other component ever needs repair or replacement in the future.
Implant Restoration Options
After the implant heals, Dr. Sekayan will attach a restoration. The restoration can be designed in different ways depending on the case.
Screw Retained Implant Crowns
A screw retained crown is attached directly to the implant or abutment with a screw. The screw access opening is usually covered with filling material.
Benefits may include:
- Easier to remove if maintenance is needed
- No cement around the implant area
- Often preferred in many implant cases
Things to consider:
- The screw access hole may affect appearance depending on location
- May not be possible in every bite or implant position
Cement Retained Implant Crowns
A cement retained crown is attached to an abutment using dental cement.
Benefits may include:
- Can provide excellent appearance in certain cases
- May be useful when the implant position does not allow a screw access opening in an ideal location
Things to consider:
- Extra cement must be carefully removed
- Cement left under the gums can irritate tissues and increase risk of inflammation
- May be more difficult to remove if repair is needed
Dr. Sekayan will choose the best design based on implant position, gum shape, bite, appearance, and long-term maintenance needs.
Implants Still Need Maintenance
Implants cannot get cavities, but the gums and bone around them still need to stay healthy. Poor oral hygiene, smoking, gum disease, uncontrolled diabetes, and missed cleanings can increase the risk of implant complications.
To protect an implant, patients should:
- Brush and clean around the implant daily
- Use floss, interdental brushes, or water flossers if recommended
- Keep regular dental cleaning visits at Finer Smiles Dental
- Report looseness, discomfort, bleeding, or swelling early
- Wear a nightguard if recommended for grinding or clenching
Schedule Your Dental Implant Consultation in Encino
Dental implants can be an excellent way to replace missing teeth, but proper planning is essential. The best implant treatment starts with a full evaluation of your oral health, medical history, medications, and long-term goals.
If you are missing a tooth or considering an implant, schedule a consultation with Dr. Sekayan at Finer Smiles Dental in Encino to find out whether implants are right for you and which treatment option will provide the best long-term result.
Flexible financing is available through Sunbit and CareCredit to make your implant treatment affordable.
Finer Smiles Dental proudly serves patients from Encino, Sherman Oaks, Tarzana, Reseda, Lake Balboa, Woodland Hills, Van Nuys, Studio City, Northridge, Burbank, and Glendale.
Book Your Dental Implant Consultation at Finer Smiles Dental
Finer Smiles Dental
5363 Balboa Blvd, Suite 440
Encino, CA 91316
(818) 788-2155
www.finersmiles.com
American Dental Association Member | California Dental Association Member | Loma Linda University School of Dentistry Graduate